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Carbon dioxide molecules are made up of three atoms (CO2), so they can absorb heat. It is thus called a greenhouse gas. Any gas with three or more atoms can capture heat.

Oxygen (O) and nitrogen (N) consist of a single atom each, so they don't capture heat.

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What does carbon dioxide and water vapor absorb?

Carbon dioxide and water vapor absorb infrared radiation from the sun and the Earth's surface, contributing to the greenhouse effect and trapping heat in the atmosphere.


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The gases that absorb infrared radiation are known as greenhouse gases, such as carbon dioxide, methane, and water vapor.


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The greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, sulphur dioxide, ozone ( minor contribution), water vapour are the molecules of the gases which absorb infrared radiations.


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Some of the gases found in our atmosphere which absorb infrared light are: carbon dioxide, methane, and water vapor. Gases found in our atmosphere which absorb ultraviolet light are ozone (O3) and oxygen gas (O2).


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Water vapor and carbon dioxide are two compounds that absorb infrared light. Water vapor absorbs infrared radiation specifically in the 5-7 μm and 2.7-4.2 μm wavelengths, while carbon dioxide absorbs in the 13-17 μm range.


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Potassium Hydroxide can be used to absorb carbon dioxide from the air.


Why are nitrogen and oxygen not considered greenhouse gases?

Nitrogen and oxygen are not considered greenhouse gases because they do not absorb or emit infrared radiation, which is necessary for trapping heat in the Earth's atmosphere. Greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide and methane have this ability, leading to the greenhouse effect and global warming.


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What do lungs absorb from the air?

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What is being reduced that can absorb carbon dioxide?

As more forest is being reduced that can absorb carbon dioxide.